MINING ROYALTIES

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:02): My question is to the Premier. What advice has your government received regarding any impact that increases in mining royalties might have upon BHP Billiton's impending decision to expand the Olympic Dam mine? The leaked Sustainable Budget Commission report notes that if mining royalties are increased 'this may be damaging to the potential for the Olympic Dam expansion to proceed'.

An honourable member: Stop Arkaroola yesterday.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Federal/State Relations, Minister for Defence Industries) (15:03): Yes, stop Arkaroola yesterday, but today we are all in for mining. What do you think the odds are they will get to the shadow treasurer next, after about eight questions? Give him one. That's it, give him a question. There you go, give him a question. Come on, give him a question!

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Treasurer will sit down. Point of order from the leader.

Mrs REDMOND: Standing order 97 specifically does require the minister to address the substance of the question, and I ask that you direct him to do so. It was a specific question about the impact of any increase in mining royalties on the viability of the Olympic Dam project.

The SPEAKER: I do uphold that point of order, Treasurer.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: It is no secret that I want to increase royalties: I actually announced it publicly some months ago. It was all out there. What we have been doing on the issue of mining royalties is consulting with the industry. We are a consultative government. I finish with this comment and this prediction: have a look where the whip is.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: Look where the whip is. I reckon the next question will be the shadow treasurer. Odds on, the next question from the opposition.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Leader of the Opposition.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Would you please respect the Leader of the Opposition and listen quietly?